new air bags not sure if made the right decision.

nyplumber · February 15, 2013

I finally got the Firestone ride-rite 2430 air bags that I bought over the summer installed. My local mechanic that services my Express 2500 van installed them for me. When I picked truck up I could not believe how much higher the back end sat. I was hoping maybe he had inflated the bags to a high psi but that was not the case. When I got home checked pressure and only at 20psi. I lowered to 5 psi which is the min and it lowered a little but truck back end sits about 1.5" higher than before.

My concern is that with back end higher it will affect driving/ headlamp visibility/ wear on tires etc. Not to mention lifing the truck was not my intention did it because when under load (i.e. camper hooked up it squated). Its something that I guess I can live with after I get used to it but should I be concered, any negative effects of rear end being higher than front? Any solutions?

My co-worker said on front end there are torsion bars that can be adjusted any thoughts?

Also I see lots of people put leveling kits on trucks would this help? Really don't want to keep puting money in truck and it is tough enough for my kids to get into truck as is without raising the front.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

KMGZ400 · February 15, 2013

those air bags wont affect anything, you dont need to worry about tire wear or anything like that. since you already have the back lifted, i would install a leveling kit to make it sit level, these trucks already have enough rake as it is. leveling kits are very cheap too.

or you could just leave it alone, but if the rake bothers you then get a leveling kit.

tanked_darren · February 15, 2013

You changed the vehicle angle you should be adjusting the headlights to the specified level there should be adjusters

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SILVERADOSC540 · February 15, 2013

At this point your headlights aim a bit low, so they won't offend anyone until you adjust them. Your model doesn't have torsion bars up front. You have coilovers, and many on here(not me I'm afraid) can recommend a good leveling kit that measures just about what you gained in the rear, which would pretty much put your headlights back where they were (okay, an inch and a half higher for the length of the beam if we're splitting hairs). I do hear alot about the rough country leveling kit on here, seems to be popular and inexpensive. Good luck.

nyplumber · February 16, 2013

I looked at leveling kits and I can only find 2" no 1.5" for 2011 1500. I see both the rough country and daystar. Is the daystar worth the extra money?

nyplumber · February 16, 2013

Also one more thing if I level truck am I okay running with the tires that come with truck I think they came with 18" wheels.

tanked_darren · February 16, 2013

If you raise the front and the back you still need to adjust the headlights.

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nyplumber · February 16, 2013

why would I need to adjust headlights if truck sits level after leveling kit?

music · February 17, 2013

First, you don't have torsion bars... you have an independent front suspension. I haven't used the air bags, but I'm surprised that it lifted that much (if any). Aren't you supposed to remove the overload springs when you add these?

crankman · February 18, 2013

We just installed the same airbags on the sons crewcab and he is about 3/4 -1 inch higher in the rear at 5 psi. But thats kinda the point he carries equipment all the time so when its loaded its level. I would think with the camper in your truck you would be right on or just add air if it sqatted anymore.

nyplumber · February 28, 2013

gonna put rough country 2" level kit on front. Only question I have is do I need with aluminum control arms or non aluminum.

cobrajet84 · March 1, 2013

you should have non-aluminum, I believe only denali's have the aluminum control arms.

Chris · March 1, 2013

I thought aluminum was on XFE and Hybrids

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nyplumber · March 1, 2013

one more quick question before I pull trigger. If I level the front with bags in back I will now obviously sit higher. Will my factory tires still be good to go. They are 18" wheels with Bridgestone tires. Love my aluminum rims and my Bridgestone tires no way I want to change them.

nyplumber · March 9, 2013

Ok went to order RC 1307. On website it said recomended tire size is 285/70. I have 265/65. Am I still ok to order? I think that the larger size they show is the biggest tire they recommend, smaller tire like mine ok. Is that correct, any feedback appreciated.